New Fairfield Girl Scout Awarded Medal of Honor

April 24, 2013

New Fairfield Girl Scout Rebecca Williams has been awarded the Medal of Honor, a national recognition from Girl Scouts of the USA for her actions in saving her sister’s life.

Williams, a Senior Girl Scout from Troop 50652, was home on the first day of summer vacation on Friday, June 22, 2012. Rebecca and her sister, Lauren, were enjoying a day of sleeping in when Rebecca received a phone call from one of her sister’s friends. Lauren wasn’t answering her phone and her friend was trying to get in touch with her.

“I went to wake my sister up and she wasn’t responding,” Rebecca said. “Immediately, I knew something was wrong.”

After calling her father, Rebecca went upstairs to get her sister’s diabetic test kit and tested her. Her levels were extremely low, as Lauren was going into diabetic shock. Rebecca called 9-1-1 and when her father arrived, Rebecca suggested they give Lauren a shot that might help her sister from having a seizure. After the shot, Lauren finally woke up before the ambulance arrived.

“I didn’t even think twice,” Rebecca said. “I just wanted to make her better. I was so thankful I was home and not at a friend’s house for a sleepover.”

Rebecca’s actions have now been recognized by the Medal of Honor. This is a National Lifesaving Award given to any registered Girl Scout from 5 through 17 years of age who has saved or attempted to save a human life under circumstances that indicate heroism.

“Rebecca exemplifies heroism and bravery in the face of a crisis,” said Mary Barneby, CEO, Girl Scouts of Connecticut. “We are proud that she has been recognized with the Medal of Honor for her courageous work in saving her sister’s life. She is a shining example of what a hero truly is.”